How to Support Someone with Agoraphobia

Millions of people throughout the world suffer with agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is often misunderstood and thought of as the phobia people have when they're afraid of open spaces. While large spaces full of people can indeed scare those with diagnosed agoraphobia, the condition is much more complex. In its most severe form it can prevent people from leaving their home or even their room. Common symptoms include fear of having a panic attack in public, fear of being away from home, fear of traveling, fear of being somewhere escaping may not be easy or may cause unwanted attention and fear of being alone. If you know someone suffering from agoraphobia, the best thing you can do is support them.

Keep Your Cool

The number one thing you can do for the person with agoraphobia is to keep your cool. If your loved one notices your frustration at their condition or their behavior, it can lead to them developing depression or more anxiety. So, make a pact to accept the person as they are and vow to help them in any way you can, even if you don't fully understand their illness.

Be Supportive, But Don't Pressure

It's important for you to be supportive of someone with agoraphobia. While "tough love" may work with rebellious teens, it doesn't work at all with agoraphobia. In fact, it can make the condition much worse. So, be sure to lend your support without being pressuring. By using "baby steps" mentioned in many cognitive behavioral therapy books, the agoraphobic person can be fully capable of getting over any and all fears they have. But, if you pressure them to act more quickly than their mind can process it, they may regress. It can take months or years to get past certain fears for agoraphobics.

Learn About The Condition

If you want to sincerely help someone with agoraphobia, you should try to learn as much as you can about the condition. Read books, visit websites or join support groups to learn more and to learn coping techniques for dealing with agoraphobia. You may also want to get support yourself, for those who are the family of those suffering with agoraphobia. Being a family member takes quite courage. It can be frustrating, confusing and draining to be around an agoraphobia. However, with your help your loved one can fully recover from agoraphobia and go on to live a traditional and free life!